A national strategy for bus The Go-Ahead Group’s recommendations About Go-Ahead What a national bus strategy Go-Ahead is a leading UK public transport operator, providing should prioritise high quality services in the bus and rail sectors. We run bus companies across the country, from to Newcastle, Society Targets and a quarter of London’s buses for Transport for London (TfL). Put buses at the heart of planning for Challenge local authorities and bus We operate a fleet of 5,200 buses, which carry more than schools, hospitals, housing, town centres operators by setting demanding targets and social services for passenger numbers, punctuality and two million passengers a day. journey times

Internationally, we provide bus services in Singapore and Ireland, Standards Green technology and have rail contracts in Germany and Norway. Flexible partnerships between local Accelerate the shift to ultra-low and authorities and commercial bus zero emissions vehicles to improve air We employ around 28,000 people across the country and operators that play to each other’s quality for all over one billion passenger journeys are undertaken across our strengths and tackle the variability in services each year. provision for quality bus services

25% of households have no access to a car, (50% of workless Why we are calling for a national households). 73% of bus journeys are made by people in the bottom half of income. 1 in 10 bus commuters would be strategy for buses forced to look for another job or give up work if they couldn’t commute by bus. The DfT has clear strategies for rail, aviation, roads, cycling and walking. Despite 3.5m people in the UK travelling to work by With the Government introducing a Loneliness Strategy, the bus, and around two-thirds of all public transport journeys role of buses in enabling vital social contact for isolated people being by bus, there is no dedicated bus strategy needs to be reaffirmed. A national strategy could provide a framework for Since 2010/11 there has been a 46% cut in funding for effective delivery of local solutions. local authority supported services in , severing whole communities. There has been a 12% fall in bus passenger journeys in England £££ outside London, from 2.41 billion passenger journeys in % Passenger growth in some of our operating areas, such 2008/09 to 2.13 billion in 2017/18. 12 as Brighton (8.3% since 2011/12), Bournemouth/Poole (18.8% since 2011) and Southampton (25.8% since 2011) This matters because of the vital importance of buses to the shows what can be achieved with the right approach, policies economy and social inclusion. and investment. 2.5 million people are reliant on buses to get them to work, Congestion in the UK’s largest cities is 14% worse than five a higher number than all other forms of public transport years ago. A 10% decrease in bus speeds can reduce patronage combined. Buses also support 1.4 billion shopping trips, by 10% or more. Increasing average speeds at peak times could accounting for annual spending of £27bn. £27 bn also significantly reduce bus emissions. Society Go-Ahead examples put buses at the heart of planning for schools, hospitals, housing, town centres and social services

Sustainable development Across three of our businesses we employ people with Viewing bus services as traditionally within the domain of ‘transport policy’ restrains planning expertise to work with local authorities on its potential as an enabler for social good. providing bus access to new developments. Our Metrobus company in West Sussex worked with The affordable, inclusive and accessible transport provided by buses can form an local planners on the development of Kilnwood Vale, integral part of tackling challenges such as loneliness, obesity, air pollution, social a 2,500 home extension of Crawley. The local councils exclusion and sustainable growth. In doing so, costs can be saved elsewhere agreed to build two bus-only link roads towards (e.g. commissioning of taxi services, health and social care costs arising from loneliness). Crawley, helping to make the bus the quicker option, The health benefits of active travel combined with public transport offer a and linking planning consent to sustainable transport. compelling alternative to driving for, or part of, daily commutes. Go-Ahead research, undertaken with RunFriendly, shows the benefits of active travel for Chatty Bus the first or last mile of a public transport journey include a reduced risk of Go-Ahead’s operators supported the fight against heart disease, cancer or strokes. loneliness and social isolation with a ‘Chatty Bus’ • People who commute by bus or train can typically accumulate campaign. Passengers were able to enjoy conversations, 20-28 minutes’ physical activity per day a cup of tea and in some locations even a piano • Our research found 28% of drivers would be willing to consider sing-a-long! On designated ‘chatty buses’ ambassadors an active component as part of their journey handed out ‘happy to chat’ badges to interested passengers to encourage conversations. Enabling buses to perform this role requires bus access to be considered in the Transport Minister Nus Ghani said “Transport has planning of residential developments, schools, hospitals and other venues. a vital role to play in tackling loneliness and bringing Bus operators should be statutory consultees on planning applications. This can people together... I am delighted to see such an then enable financially sustainable services to operate. innovative approach from Go-Ahead.” With developer contributions increasingly going on non-transport schemes, the ability of buses to provide affordable, quick delivery schemes needs to be Social inclusion understood and promoted. Brighton & Hove Buses provide free travel for homeless people to essential Best practice measures for the use of ‘Section 106’ funding for buses in appointments, free travel to support events for refugees and discounts for carers, residential and other development needs to be shared and barriers to bus and work with Credit Unions to make season tickets more affordable for those solutions addressed. on low incomes. It is introducing neighbourhood advisors to work alongside local partners to support independent living and tackle isolation with initiatives, such as bus buddying and personal travel planning. blazed a trail by introducing simple cheap fares for under 18s, achieving double-digit growth in youth bus travel in the region, with other operators since following their lead. has also successfully introduced a £1 fare for under 18s during school holidays. Standards Go-Ahead case studies encouraging flexible, collaborative partnerships between local authorities and operators across the UK to tackle the variability in provision for quality bus services

Partnerships with local authorities that are collaborative and retain Southampton Bus Quality Partnership commercial freedom to respond to changes in customer demand can (GSC) works with Southampton City Council through the local Bus enable patronage growth. Quality Partnership. Projects have improved bus stop facilities, delivered award winning Go-Ahead is demonstrating this partnership approach in several regions, signage and reduced the time roads are closed for roadworks by a third. The wider where our operating companies are delivering locally-designed services SolentGo partnership delivered the first multi-modal multi-operator smart ticketing for passengers through trusting long-term relationships. scheme outside a Metropolitan area. These activities contributed to Southampton winning the Transport City of the Year in 2013. We advocate a joint understanding of broader economic development and social priorities for councils, and how the bus can help to deliver on Private sector investment and successful funding bids have resulted in the average age these areas. of buses in Southampton dropping from 9 years to 2½ years. The city has bucked the Buses need to form an integral part of multi-modal transport strategies national trend with a 17% increase in bus use between 2011 and 2018 with over pursued by emerging sub-national transport bodies. 21m journeys undertaken by bus in the city – representing a 19% modal share.

Brighton & Hove Quality Bus Partnership Brighton & Hove Quality Bus Partnership has enabled the implementation of the Go-Ahead multi-operator ticketing system. This was delivered at minimal cost to the public sector and was well-reviewed in DfT’s post-introduction report. Brighton & Hove Buses also cooperated on first phase Low Emission Zone standards and the current Ultra Low Emission Zone standards enforced from 1 January 2019.

Oxford SmartZone scheme Since 2011, a smart ticketing scheme has been in place in Oxford SmartZone which enables customers to use , Stagecoach or buses in and around the city of Oxford.

The scheme was created through a partnership agreement that also saw the city’s major operators agree to rationalise services on key corridors (using Competition Act powers) addressing stakeholder concerns around the volume of buses in Oxford’s city centre.

Further examples of multi-operator ticketing are in place across Go-Ahead’s operating areas, a recent one being the new Hull Card, which enables travel on our East Yorkshire services as well as Stagecoach in Hull and the surrounding area. Targets Go-Ahead examples challenge local authorities and bus operators by setting demanding targets for passenger numbers and journey times

A national framework with targets for patronage growth could enable delivery Brighton Bus Priority at a local level. Bus prioritisation in Brighton has led to 48% of passengers being carried on 2% of Local authorities could then target journey times with bus operators and be vehicles on the A259 Coast Road during peak time. incentivised to adopt relevant local solutions (e.g. parking restraints, workplace The local authority investment in bus lanes enabled our investment in additional parking levies, delivery restrictions, bus priority, and road access charging for vehicles. As a consequence the number of buses operating in the peak has doubled. utility companies). These should be linked to future Government funding through Transforming Cities Prioritised Maintenance funding or other sources to ensure that the most effective solutions are developed. Go South Coast is working with Southampton City Council and Balfour Beatty on Quality improvements can be delivered through targeted capital investment, monitoring road surface conditions to give a live feed to the highway authority, to then such as enhanced bus stations, improved integration with rail and other modes, prioritise routes for maintenance. and improved roadside infrastructure. The powers already available for local authorities to tackle congestion through the Fastway - Bus Rapid Transit Traffic Management Act 2004 need to be effectively used and enforced. The state-of-the-art Fastway network (including bus lanes, guideway, and traffic light prioritisation) delivered by our Metrobus company with West Sussex County Council Local bus operators can match these commitments with investments in new has enabled 160% growth in passengers over 10 years and a 19% reduction in car trips. vehicles and high standards in information, ticketing, accessibility and service quality, through partnership agreements. Greener Technology Go-Ahead examples accelerate the shift to ultra-low and zero emissions vehicles to improve air quality for all

Central government needs to provide a framework and local authorities need to We operate almost 100 fully electric buses, which serve key commuter journeys across step up on deliverable programmes that support clean air zones. These can be London, and are the largest operator of electric buses in the UK. linked to demand management schemes that raise revenue (e.g. workplace parking Waterloo garage, one of the largest electric depots in Europe is now emission free, levies). having previously emitted 900 tonnes of CO2 emissions per annum. Go-Ahead is the largest operator of electric buses in the UK and is ready to invest Go-Ahead London, TfL and manufacturer BYD jointly won the 2017 Low Carbon more in electric in tandem with public infrastructure development, which requires Champions Grand Prix award for delivering the vehicles and infrastructure for London’s an investment commitment. first all-electric bus routes. In the short term there needs to be continued investment in new and retrofitting In our Oxford-based operations we will have 161 Euro VI buses in the fleet by ultra-low emission diesels (Euro VI). July 2019, supporting the city’s planned ultra-low emission zone in place from Local authorities should prioritise air quality for children by working towards December 2020. The company has also invested in improved monitoring of air quality mandating Euro VI vehicles for schools’ contract services. data and is partnering with Oxford City Council to upgrade five sightseeing buses to full electric power. Go-Ahead supports the reform of the Bus Services Operators Grant (BSOG) to enable the transition to zero emission buses. At present, the BSOG provides Across the Group, we invested £200m over 2016-18 in 900 new Euro VI buses, and support purely for use of diesel vehicles. Brighton & Hove Buses will introduce the UK’s first extended-range double decker buses in Brighton in 2019. Powered by electric throughout, each bus has a small Euro VI In tandem with the above, Go-Ahead pledges to achieve the following: Diesel engine to recharge onboard batteries. The diesel engine is geo-fenced, ensuring • No new diesel vehicles purchased after 2025 the bus utilises only electric power while in the Brighton Ultra Low Emission Zone. • Zero emission fleet by 2035 Metrobus’ Gatwick Fastway service will see the introduction of 20 fully zero emission hydrogen fuel cell (HFC) buses, the UK’s first in a commercial network, and To support the delivery of these pledges, we would like to see an industrial Go North East are introducing nine new electric buses. Both projects are receiving strategy for UK bus manufacturing, to accelerate transition to zero emission public funding support as well as Go-Ahead investment. vehicles and support the continuation of high value employment (83,000 jobs in UK bus and coach manufacturing). Future of transport Go-Ahead examples

Go-Ahead is innovating and using technology to provide solutions that meet Billion Journey Project the changing expectations of customers and contribute to addressing society’s The Billion Journey Project is the UK’s largest privately challenges. funded multi-modal transport innovation accelerator We are keen to discuss the contribution these solutions can make with national programme. Working with emerging tech companies it and local stakeholders and to work collaboratively with the public sector to ensure aims to improve the 1.3 billion passenger journeys made they can be widely applied. on our services every year. The project provides mentoring from industry leaders Mobility as a Service and access to systems and sites, creating powerful Go-Ahead is developing a ground-breaking partnerships for technology companies. 20 scale-ups have app aimed at making journeys across been taken through the incubator, with plans to pilot Citi Logik offering customers train different transport modes hassle free, crowding information and Airportr, helping air passengers move their luggage so they helping customers to take more control can leave their car at home, while they catch the train. of their journeys. The app will provide ‘Mobility as a Service’, combining planning and paying for journeys Demand responsive buses into one easy-to-use tool, ensuring customers always pay the best price available Our demand responsive PickMeUp service in east through Pay As You Go. Oxford allows passengers to request journeys using an app and travel via virtual bus stops. It is enabling The new app will initially focus on the businesses to grow in an area of restricted car Brighton and Crawley area, where we are working with stakeholders to make parking. With a good value flat fare it provides travelling without a private car easier, enabling people to move away from car the convenience of a taxi for the price of a bus. ownership. After an initial launch for bus and rail we aim to extend to other We registered PickMeUp as a bus service, incurring modes, such as car clubs and bike hire. the higher costs of fully accessible vehicles because it was the right thing to do. Over 140,000 journeys Mobile Apps were made on PickMeUp in its first year of service. Each of Go-Ahead’s bus companies has a mobile app that is aimed at making planning and paying for bus journeys easy and convenient. In May 2019 we began operating ‘Go Sutton’, a 12-month ‘on demand’ bus trial for TfL in As users plan journeys, tickets are suggested and can be bought using the full range Sutton – an area with high car use. The trial aims to explore how an app-based service of payment options including Apple Pay, Android Pay, Visa Checkout and Paypal, could complement existing public transport and reduce car usage. often with promotional prices on offer. Real time information on services shows both expected arrival time and actual location of upcoming buses. Future of transport

Cutting edge ticketing Seamless travel solutions Go-Ahead has led the way in Go-Ahead has successfully introduced multi-operator ticketing in several regions developing ticketing to meet the outside London and is working with industry partners to develop multi-operator needs of today’s customers. All of capping through contactless. This ensures value and convenience for customers our buses across the country accept using multiple operators’ services, reducing another barrier to bus travel. contactless payment, making it easier Geolocation technology is being used for other ticketing solutions, where payment for customers to jump on a bus, is linked to the physical action of getting on and off the bus. It removes the need without the worry of having enough for a customer to use their smartphone, creating true frictionless travel. change. But we’re determined to As bus journeys become faster and easier to use, they become more attractive go further. to customers. From summer 2019 customers on our Brighton & Hove Buses will no longer need to work out what ticket they need through ‘Pay As You Go’ bus travel – on a large scale for the first time outside London. Using geolocation technology, customers will automatically be charged the best value fare for their journeys, using the ‘tap-on/tap-off method’ often used on trains and trams. Capping means they can make as many journeys as they want and never pay more than the cost of a day ticket.